FINAL ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION - DUE DECEMBER 12 - FINAL CRITIQUE DAY

Virtual Communities ASSIGNMENT - warmware : an assistive memory project
DUE DECEMBER 12 - FINAL CRITIQUE DAY

description by Judith Doyle : jdoyle@faculty.ocad.ca

For this assignment, you will adapt your "non-linear timeline" into “warmware” - an assistive memory project. Using the “timeline” that you’ve been working on over the last few weeks as the basis, you will create an emotionally-rich reminder system. It could include text reminders, sounds or music clips, photos, drawings, video clips, interactive characters (avatars) or a mix of these. Your reminder system may help to provide directions (an interactive map) or keep track of a list of things to do (like shopping lists) or it may be structured as a calendar that reminds the user of appointments. Your project may do all these things. As well as helping with planning and remembering the future, your device will be an archive (a diary or photo album) that helps keep a record of feelings (emotional responses) as well as events.

Your assistive memory project will be based on the work you have created so far in class, especially your virtual community and interactive timeline project. Who will use your system? Will family members and friends share this system (or a virtual community linked by technology, that might include doctors and caregivers, or online friends, for example), or is it just for one personal user? Please take into account the in-class feedback you have received from your classmates, instructors and our expert guests from the Memory Link program.

Your assistive memory device will be engaging and as simple as possible to use. It may be for fun, with gaming or creative features. It may be designed for handheld devices like the palm pilot, cellphones, MP3 players, web sites, alarm-clock type timers and other devices. It could include wearable elements. It could involve a combination of all these things.

Deliverables :
- Create a visual prototype for the blog, including a written summary description and an image
- Link to a detailed prototype with text, images or an interactive web site. If your project includes video and sound, provide examples : sound and video files
- Include a description of how your project will be customized for different users (how can people include their own images, sounds, video, drawings and personalized features).
- Include your name and photograph of yourself if possible

PROJECT DUE : December 12 2006 (Critique Day)

GRADE WEIGHTING : 20%